We’ve become so accustomed to the hustle and bustle of everyday life that it has now become our norm. In fact, we’ve collectively become pros at multitasking and cramming everything in the “must get done” category.
It’s an irony of our modern lives that while technology is continually being invented to save us time, we use that time to do more and more things, and so our lives are more fast-paced and hectic than ever.
But with summer finally upon us, we’re suggesting that we all slow it down just a bit and enjoy these lengthy summer days especially in such a beautiful setting as Long Island. A slower-paced life, even if just for a few short months, means taking time to enjoy whatever you’re doing.
Taking time to appreciate the outdoors and to focus on whoever you’re talking to or spending time with. It means single-tasking rather than switching between a multitude of tasks and truly focusing on neither of them.
To help you, we’ve crafted a list of 8 ways to slow it down so that you can enjoy your summer.
8 Tips to Help You Enjoy the Summer Season
1. Do less. It’s hard to slow down when you are trying to do a million things. Instead, make the conscious choice to do less. We know it may sound scary, but if you focus on what’s important, what really needs to be done, and let go of the rest you will have a better chance at allowing yourself to slow down.
2. Be present. Being mindful of what you’re doing at an exact moment allows you to sincerely focus on what’s in front of you. Mindfulness is something that requires practice so don’t be upset if it doesn’t come naturally to you at first.
When you notice your mind wandering and thinking about something you need to do or something that has already happened gently bring yourself back to the present moment and focus on what’s going on right now.
3. We know it could sound painful but it’s so important to disconnect and shut off your smart phone from time to time or even leave them behind when you can. Being connected all the time means we’re subject to interruptions, we’re constantly stressed about information coming in; we are at the mercy of the demands of others.
It’s hard to slow down when we’re always checking new messages or emails or even social media. Here are 3 benefits to scheduling downtime.
4. Appreciate the outdoors. So many of us are used to being shut in our homes, offices, and cars that we forget to go outside and appreciate nature. Living where we live we should be making this a priority and taking advantage of Long Island’s gorgeous landscape.
Go for walks, hikes, a swim at the beach, a picnic in the park – just make it a point to get outside this summer. Here are some great activities to do on Long Island.
5. Single-task. This is the opposite of multi-tasking. Focus on one thing at a time. When you feel the urge to switch to other tasks, pause, breathe, and pull yourself back. Single-tasking allows us to slow down and truly excel at the one task at hand instead of being pulled in multiple directions all at once.
6. Take a mental health day. If you don’t have a vacation allowance or time to to go on a vacation, it’s important to take a day for yourself. Consider using a mental health day. A mental health day is a growing trend in the U.S. as mental health awareness grows.
This day off is used to do absolutely nothing, other than what you desire. It can consist of your favorite hobby, movie, favorite meal, or just stay in bed and rest your mind.
7. Make new friends and meet new people. It’s always good to be social. During the summer is a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Join a club that focuses on your interest or passion, such as a book club or hiking. Say “hello” to people at your place of worship, grocery store, neighborhood, etc.
8. Volunteer your time. Instead of focusing on what everyone else wants to do, think about what you enjoy and use that help others. Volunteering your time and effort to help someone else, not only provides fun or fulfillment for yourself, it can make the different for someone else.
Volunteer options include cooking at a soup kitchen, teach a class at the local town center, assist at the animal shelter, and whatever else you think of.
